Caravan and motorhome solar panels convert sunlight into 12V electricity for off-grid adventures. A typical weekend user needs 80-120W solar capacity with an MPPT charge controller and 100Ah lithium battery. Full-time vanlifers require 300-600W arrays with series-wired panels generating 1.5-3kWh daily. Monocrystalline panels deliver 20-22% efficiency in compact 100W, 150W, 200W and 400W sizes. Key components include solar panels, MPPT charge controller (not PWM), battery bank, MC4 connectors, and 10mm² DC cable. Popular brands include Victron, Renogy, Solar Technology International, and Solara - all available with great warranties.
System sizing depends on daily power consumption: LED lights use 0.5A/hour, 12V TV draws 3A, compressor fridge consumes 4-6A, water pump needs 8A when running, phone chargers take 1A. Calculate total amp-hours, multiply by 1.3 for inefficiencies, then size solar array for UK's 3-4 peak sun hours (summer) or 1-2 hours (winter). Rigid panels suit permanent installation with maximum durability. Flexible panels weigh 70% less, bend to 30° radius but last 10-15 years versus 25+ for rigid. Portable panels fold for storage, track the sun manually but need setup time. MPPT controllers harvest 30% more power than PWM types by tracking maximum power point voltage.
Installation involves roof mounting (drilling or adhesive), waterproof cable entry, fused DC connections, and battery integration. Professional fitting ensures IP65 sealing, correct cable sizing (4mm² for 100W, 6mm² for 200W+), and compliance with 12V wiring regulations. One limitation: partial shading from roof fixtures, trees or aerials reduces output by 50-80% as current flows through weakest panel. Winter performance drops to 20% of summer levels due to low sun angle and short daylight hours.
The PV Logic Flexi range of is a tough, fully weather resistant flexib
Barden 5m twin core 2.5mm with MC4 plugs is right for campers, caravan
CBE's PRS300 300w Solar Charge regulator's the ticket for those wantin
Solar Technology International 80WP Motorhome Solar Panel Kit is just
The Other Brands 10amp Solar twin charger is a solid piece of kit for
The Other Brands 20amp Solar twin charger offers reliable off-grid cha
Parts Included: 76102-12= Solare regulator SDC12a 150-40593= Solar
Solar Technology International's 8W Fold Up Solar Panel is a compact,
Truma's 190w solar panel is your go-to solution for reliable off-grid
Solar Technology International's 100wp MHD Rigid Panel Roof Kit (Aero
Solar Technology International's 125wp MHD Rigid Panel Roof Kit with A
The Solar Technology International 150wp MHD Rigid Panel Kit (Aero Bra
The Solar Technology International 200watt MHD Rigid Panel Kit is idea
This Solar Technology International 150W MHD Rigid Panel Kit with ABS
The Solar Technology International 120watt fold up panel is a solid op
The Solar Technology International 90watt fold up panel includes a 10a
Solar Technology International's 110W MHD Flexi roof panel kit with MP
The Solar Technology International 290W MHD Flexi Solar Panel - Rear E
The Zamp Digital Deluxe 5 Stage 15 Amp PWM Solar Charge Controller use
This versatile Zamp solar charge controller can charge 2 separate batt
Optional LCD remote display. Supplied with a 25 foot communication cab
The Zamp 3 port roof cap can be attached to the roof and forms the cen
This wiring kit is the recommended interface for making a Zamp Solar P
The Zamp Solar Panel Mounting Feet not only allow you to place the pan
Zamp remote temperature sensor. Suitable for use with all Zamp regulat
The Air Stream Solar Mounting Kit is manufactured by Zamp for use with
White plastic water-tight housing, for solar panel wiring. The Solar f
The VE Camplast 4 Way Solar panel Feed Gland in black is used for roof
With the Carbest complete sets you will have it especially comfortable
The PV Logic Flexi range is a tough, fully weather resistant, flexible
This 65W quality solar panel module garuntees maximum power generatio
Pack of 2 x MC4 connectors (1 male, 1 female), to be used on solar pan
Frequently Asked Questions
How much solar do I need for my caravan?Weekend users need 80-120W solar with 100Ah battery. Calculate your daily amp-hour consumption: LED lights 0.5A/hr, 12V TV 3A/hr, fridge 5A/hr, water pump 8A when running. Multiply total by 1.3 for inefficiencies, then divide by 3 peak sun hours in UK summer. Full-time vanlifers typically need 300-600W arrays with 400Ah+ lithium batteries for complete energy independence.What size solar panel for 100Ah battery?A 100Ah lithium battery needs 100-150W solar panel for daily recharging in UK conditions. Use the 10% rule: 100Ah x 10% = minimum 100W solar. For weekend use drawing 30-40Ah daily, 100W suffices. For full 80Ah discharge (lithium maximum), you need 150W+ to recharge in 3-4 peak sun hours. AGM batteries need 20% more solar capacity due to lower charging efficiency.MPPT or PWM charge controller for caravan?Always choose MPPT charge controller for caravan solar installations. MPPT delivers 30% more charging power than PWM by converting excess panel voltage into additional current. MPPT works with series-wired panels, handles voltage mismatches, and charges lithium batteries effectively. Only use PWM for basic 20W trickle charging systems where panel voltage matches battery voltage exactly. Victron SmartSolar MPPT controllers offer Bluetooth monitoring and 5-year warranties.Do caravan solar panels work in winter?Caravan solar panels work in winter but generate 70-80% less power due to low sun angle and 1-2 peak hours daily versus 4-6 in summer. A 200W panel producing 12A in July generates 2-3A in December. Snow coverage stops generation temporarily until cleared. Winter solar still maintains trickle charge for security systems and prevents battery sulfation during storage. Size arrays 150% larger for year-round use or add mains charging for winter months.Best solar panels for motorhome?Best motorhome solar panels: Victron BlueSolar (premium, 25-year warranty), Renogy Eclipse (half-cut cells, high efficiency), Solar Technology International (UK-made, marine grade). Choose monocrystalline over polycrystalline for 20%+ efficiency. Rigid panels offer maximum durability, flexible panels save weight for vans under 3500kg. Combine with Victron MPPT 100/30 controller and LiFePO4 batteries for optimal performance. Avoid cheap panels without bypass diodes as partial shading kills entire array output.How long do caravan solar panels last?Quality caravan solar panels last 25-30 years with 80%+ power output guaranteed after 25 years. Monocrystalline panels outlast polycrystalline types. Flexible panels typically last 10-15 years due to thermal cycling stress on thin substrates. MPPT charge controllers last 10-15 years, batteries need replacement every 5-10 years depending on chemistry. Factor replacement costs as panels rarely fail, it is usually the controllers or lithium batteries. Total system payback typically 4-7 years through avoiding campsite electrical hookup fees.Can I install caravan solar panels myself?DIY caravan solar installation is possible with basic electrical skills and proper tools. You need drill, sealant, MC4 crimping tool, and multimeter. Key steps: mount panels with 4mm stainless bolts, route 6mm² DC cable through waterproof gland, install 20A fuse within 150mm of battery, connect MPPT controller with battery temperature sensor. Professional installation ensures warranty coverage, correct cable sizing, and IP65 sealing. Check caravan/motorhome insurance covers modifications before starting work.What happens if caravan solar panel gets shaded?Partial shading reduces caravan solar panel output by 50-90% depending on shadow area. Current flows through weakest panel in series, so one shaded panel kills entire string performance. Modern panels have bypass diodes minimizing shading impact - look for 3-diode panels over single-diode types. Avoid installing panels under roof lights, aerials, air vents, or bike racks. Microinverters or power optimizers eliminate shading issues but add cost and complexity. Position panels in shadow-free zones between 9AM-4PM for maximum generation.
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